Incredible Shrimp alla Buzara

This simply delicious and easy shrimp dish is very common along the Adriatic but originally hails from Croatia.  This amazingly yummy combination of succulent shrimp bathed in a mixture of garlic, white wine, tomatoes and breadcrumbs leaves you picking up yet another piece of crusty grilled bread to soak up the sauce in wild abandon.  It is incredibly easy to prepare. Be sure to prepare extra – this incredible dish disappears quickly and always has company asking for more. (Leftovers are great over pasta or risotto.) Soooo yummy……..

Incredible Shrimp alla Buzara

Ingredients:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided

1/4 cup bread crumbs, preferably fresh

4 garlic cloves, diced

1/2 cup finely chopped shallots

2 cups dry white wine, divided

2 tablespoons tomato puree

1 tablespoon cognac

4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 pounds large raw shrimp, tails and heads (if using) on

Chopped parsley and olive oil for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add the bread crumbs and saute until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn.

2. Add the garlic and shallots and saute until soft – about 2 minutes. Add 1/4 cup of white wine and stir until the wine is nearly evaporated and the shallots are softened – about 3 -4 minutes.

3. Add the tomato puree and stir into the shallot mixture, carmelizing.

4. Add the rest of the wine and cognac, bringing to a boil, then add the parsley.  Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

5. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer gently while cooking the shrimp.

6. In another large skillet, heat the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil over medium high heat until very hot. Add the shrimp to the pan and saute until shells just turn pink.

7. Add the shrimp to the simmering sauce.  Allow to simmer for a few more minutes. Adjust seasoning inf necessary. Turn off heat.

8. Drizzle with good quality olive oil and chopped parsley.

9. Serve with crusty grilled bread and plenty of napkins! Enjoy!!